Eye on Fashion: Holiday style at Fig & Olive

Dec. 24, 2013

Updated 12:00 a.m.

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Nicole Pajoohi of Los Angeles at the opening of the Fig & Olive restaurant in Newport Beach. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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5. Sandra Jones of Oakland looked simply chic in a black Valentino dress with a sheer lace back panel at the opening of the Fig & Olive restaurant in Newport Beach. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Hind Mandre of Ladera Ranch topped her All Saints gold sequined skirt with a black top at the opening of the Fig & Olive restaurant in Newport Beach. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Belinda Lui of Newport Coast looked elegant in a Red Valentino dress with a lace skirt at the opening of the Fig & Olive restaurant in Newport Beach. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Linda Mahlmann of Newport Coast kept it understated in a cream sheath with black lace panels that she bought in Paris and wore to the opening of the Fig & Olive restaurant in Newport Beach. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Ana Miller of Corona del Mar played it cool in a python-printed shirtdress at the opening party of Fig & Olive restaurant in Newport Beach. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A festive vibe was in the air as a number of guests at the opening party of Fig & Olive at Fashion Island turned up the volume on three big trends of the season: sparkle, lace and animal prints.

There were plenty of sequins and paillettes on display Wednesday night, but our favorites were those in champagne or gold and in more modern silhouettes such as a tank dress or a short skirt paired with a bit of black. Sequins are tricky – too much of them in uninspired shape create a dated and heavy effect.

We could not escape from animal prints such as cheetah, zebra and snake, which were everywhere we turned, although leopard reigned in fitted dresses, stiletto pumps, clutches, even jackets. What looked fresh: soft animal-print shirt dresses.

The best dresses of the evening, however, were those with panels of black lace in the back, sides or skirt. Not surprisingly, black lace-adorned dresses by Valentino and Red Valentino were among the standouts, and the beautiful women who wore them looked supremely and effortlessly elegant. Clearly, they knew not to overdo a good thing when they saw one, a cardinal rule of tasteful style.

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